Misaligned teeth are not just an aesthetic concern. In severe cases, they can result in difficulties in articulation, tooth and gum disease, or even jaw problems. To combat this issue, several treatments have been made available for specific needs. One of the most common misalignment correction treatments is the application of adult braces. They are reliable ways in solving orthodontic issues, but they require serious commitment. Keep reading to discover the seven things you must consider before getting adult braces.
Schedule a checkup and get your teeth cleaned by dentist
Schedule an appointment with your dentist for a checkup and teeth cleaning, especially if you haven’t already done so.
This checkup will enable your dentist to identify any other dental issues that may require attention before proceeding with braces.
There might be adjustments to your diet
Although braces are made of durable materials, it’s still important to take proper care of them.
One of the steps in ensuring that there won’t be damage to your braces is by eliminating certain food that can break or get stuck in the brace components.
This includes hard food such as candies and nuts or sticky food like caramel and chewing gum.
Your oral hygiene routine will be more essential than ever
Getting braces makes little difference in the fact that brushing and flossing is crucial to your overall health.
However, you might experience difficulty in doing a thorough clean with the braces in the way, possibly resulting in plaque build-up or other dental concerns.
When you get your braces done, make sure to ask your dental care team for proper brushing and flossing instructions to avoid these periodontal issues.
Adult braces are a serious commitment
There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to braces. On average, treatment length typically falls between 16-18 months but the exact period will vary depending on the specific case.
You will also have to schedule a visit to your orthodontist every 4-6 weeks for adjustments.
You might get a minor speech impediment
Braces might cause you to develop a slight lisp due to tongue crowding and air vibrations caused by the hardware on the braces.
However, it’s important to note that these speech impairments are only temporary.
If you’re feeling conscious about your speech, you can make use of articulation practice sheets to improve how you speak.
Slight discomfort might be experienced during the treatment.
Mild discomfort or slight pain is a normal side effect of getting braces.
You might experience these issues after the initial placement or right after every adjustment.
Soreness doesn’t usually last for extensive periods, but you might consult your dentist for easy solutions to alleviate pain or for a pain relief prescription when needed.
Braces could cause a slight change in your appearance
Undergoing orthodontic treatment can alter your appearance slightly.
Aside from the positive changes it will bring to your smile, your lips might jut out and look more pronounced due to the hardware at the front of your teeth.
The position of your jaw will also see an improvement in position caused by the shifting of your teeth.
Adult braces might be costly
You get what you pay for when it comes to braces and other dental treatments.
Since braces are specific to a patient’s case, mass production is not possible and high-grade materials can be costlier than their lower-quality alternatives.
You will also want to make sure that you’re getting your adult braces from a certified orthodontist that is highly-experienced in the application of adult braces to ensure that you get the best quality care.
The treatment process can definitely be expensive overall, but they’re definitely worth the investment.
Get your cavities filled
It’s possible to proceed with braces without addressing cavities first, although it’s preferable to have your dentist fill any existing cavities beforehand.
This will help you alleviate pain and swelling.
Clean and floss your teeth before visiting the dentist
Make sure you brush and floss your teeth for several weeks leading up to your appointment.
Ensuring that your teeth and gums are in optimal condition before commencing your treatment is crucial.
A plaque-free tooth surface facilitates proper adhesion of the cement used by your orthodontist.
Different types of braces
Braces come in two main types: removable and fixed appliances.
Removable appliances are braces that patients can insert or remove at will.
Examples include removable plates made of acrylic with stainless steel wires or aligners like Invisalign.
Fixed appliances are braces that orthodontists bond to the teeth for the duration of treatment.
Patients cannot remove these braces themselves.
Typically, fixed appliances consist of metal or ceramic brackets attached to orthodontic wires.
Age is not a factor in getting braces
Teenage years is not only the correct age to wear braces as even adults such as 60 year olds can wear braces.
As long as you have healthy teeth and gums, you can wear braces.
Teeth extraction before getting braces may not be necessary
Depending on your teeth structure such as if you have a protruding teeth, or badly overcrowded/overlapping teeth chances are you will need teeth extractions before you can get braces.
Your orthodontist will be the best person to advise you on this.
It will be a little uncomfortable for the first few weeks
It’s going to take some time for your teeth to get used to the braces.
You will need to adjust to this feeling for the first few days, but you will get used to it sooner.
Flossing is going to be challenging
People who have braces find flossing to be nearly impossible.
But there is a workaround: to use flossing threaders or water flossers for this.
Food is going to get stuck in your teeth
This is a very natural thing. Food will get stuck in and around your braces.
You should travel with a braces care kit, which includes things like – a spare toothbrush, toothpaste, floss and floss threaders.
- Your lips would look bigger
The setup of braces is such that it will push your lips out, making them look bigger than they are.
Take a selfie for a before and after picture
Taking a selfie of what your teeth looked like before getting the braces and comparing it with after removing the braces can be a rewarding and fun thing to look back on.
Getting a clear set of expectations about the treatment can make the whole experience much easier. You might encounter inconveniences during your treatment period, but the numerous benefits are definitely worth the investment. For more information on adult orthodontics and other dental care procedures, schedule a consultation at any American Dental Clinic branch in Dubai or Abu Dhabi today.
Sources –
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3770235/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4751297/
